"They also serve who only stand and wait."

I was putting away my last completed sketchbook and came across these sketches that I didn't post.

In the beginning of October I had jury duty, again. You never get the summons at a convenient time! But, there is something about sitting there waiting to be called that builds a silent comradeship with the others in the room, a sense of pride in doing your civic duty and the inconvenience of it all!

And then there's Starbucks where we wait to be served - though never very long!

(My thanks to John Milton for the title.)

More from the Seashore

These are few more sketches from Longboat Key. The top one was done from Starbucks on St. Armands Circle in the morning. The second one was on the beach in the afternoon and the third was done one morning-that's Sarasota in the distance. They were done in a Moleskine watercolor sketchbook. In the bottom two some sand got mixed in with the paint and added really nice texture. I love happy accidents.

Loving Longboat Key

We've been going to Longboat Key almost every October for the past fifteen years. It's a beautiful area. We stay on Longboat Key but take full advantage of the city of Sarasota and its wonderful museums, art galleries, great music, dance and restaurants. Of course it's always fun to eat and shop your way around St. Armands Circle on St. Armands Key.

It really would be paradise if it weren't for the "no-see-'ems", little bugs that make a feast of my legs! They didn't stop me from having a good time and doing quite a few sketches.

Muddled Monday

Our Monday sketch group met at Mariano Park. I arrived late due to a meeting that ran a little long and never quite focused on sketching. We met there last week as well so I'm posting both endeavors.

The triangle park contains a small Prairie-style pavilion designed by Birch Burdette Long in 1900. Today, it houses a Whisper Cafe coffee stand. The glazed tiles along the eaves are beautiful. Long worked for Frank Lloyd Wright before venturing out on his own. One would think I would have attempted the pavilion-I must go back before the weather gets too cold and give it a try!

Alex, from Pencilscribbles, has joined our group. It's great to meet a fellow blogger! Welcome!

Hurry up and Wait

I've said it many times but sketching does increase my patience for waiting!

New Week-New Challenge

I live in Chicago, a city known for its architecture, but drawing architecture is one of my biggest sketching shortcomings. Today I tried out a Lamy Safari pen and sketched the Fourth Presbyterian Church from the courtyard on Michigan Avenue. The pen is great! The sketch -not so great. It has made me determined to improve. Hints and suggestions are welcome!

Remembered Still

from September 1, 1936 W.H.Auden

I sit in one of the dives
On Fifty-second Street
Uncertain and afraid
As the clever hopes expire
Of a low dishonest decade:
Waves of anger and fear
Circulate over the bright
And darkened lands of the earth,
Obsessing our private lives;
The unmentionable odour of death
Offends the September night.
...

Defenceless under the night
Our world in stupor lies;
Yet, dotted everywhere,
Ironic points of light
Flash out wherever the Just
Exchange their messages:
May I, composed like them
Of Eros and of dust,
Beleaguered by the same
Negation and despair,
Show an affirming flame